About the Flu

Flu Symptoms, Treatment and Chronic Conditions

Flu Symptoms

Flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people also have diarrhea and vomiting. Flu symptoms can last as little as one day or longer than a week. It varies from child to child.

Flu may cause persons with chronic medical conditions to get sicker.

For help deciding if your child has the flu, visit:

When to Go to the Doctor or Come to the Hospital

Most people with the flu do not require medical care or testing.

If your child has a fever and symptoms such as cough, sore throat, runny nose or a stuffy nose, call their doctor before coming to the hospital. The doctor will decide if your child needs to come to the hospital or not. Also call your child's doctor if your child is under 5 and has flu symptoms.

Visit our symptom checker page to learn more about when to call 911, when to call your doctor and when to treat the flu at home.

Children with Chronic Health Conditions and the Flu

Children with chronic health conditions, like heart or lung disease, diabetes, asthma, a neurodevelopmental condition or a neuromuscular disorder can get very sick from the flu. If your child has a chronic health condition and has flu symptoms, call your child's doctor. Your child may need to be tested and treated for the flu. Your child should also get the seasonal flu vaccine.

Treating Your Child’s Flu at Home

Make sure that your child drinks plenty of fluids.

Have your child rest and do quiet activities.

If your child is uncomfortable because of a fever, you can give acetaminophen (Tylenol) if your child is over 3 months old. Or, you can give ibuprofen (Motrin) if your child is over 6 months old. Make sure to give the correct dose, based on your child's weight.

Never give your child aspirin.

Do not give multiple-symptom cough and cold medicine to children under 4.

Encourage everyone at home to clean their hands often.

Keep your child home while they are sick and for at least one day after they no longer have a fever without the use of fever-reducing medicines.

Check with your doctor if your child has the flu and close contacts at home are pregnant, are young infants, are elderly, have a suppressed immune system or have a chronic medical condition.

Dr. Wendy Sue Swanson partners with the American Academy of Pediatrics to share information about the
2015–2016 influenza vaccine
and highlights the reasons it's an essential vaccine for pregnant moms.

Dr. Wendy Sue Swanson partners with the American Academy of Pediatrics to share information about the
2015–2016 influenza vaccine
and highlights the reasons it's an essential and mandatory vaccine for healthcare workers.

Seattle Children’s provides healthcare without regard to race, color, religion (creed), sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin (ancestry) or disability. Financial assistance for medically necessary services is based on family income and hospital resources and is provided to children under age 21 whose primary residence is in Washington, Alaska, Montana or Idaho.